The Most Popular Cameras of the 1970s
The 1970s marked a significant era in the history of film photography. It was a time when camera manufacturers introduced some of the most iconic and enduring film cameras of all time. These cameras not only set new standards for design and functionality but also helped shape the way photographers approached their craft. From the rugged and reliable Nikon F2 to the compact and elegant Olympus OM-1, there were plenty of options for photographers of all levels. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the 10 most popular film cameras of the 1970s and explore what made them so iconic and enduring.
1. Canon AE-1: The Canon AE-1 was introduced in 1976 and quickly became one of the most popular 35mm film cameras of the decade. This camera featured an automatic exposure mode that made it easy for beginners to use. Famous users of the Canon AE-1 include American photographer Annie Leibovitz.
https://casualphotophile.com/2020/06/03/canon-ae-1-program-camera-review/
https://www.35mmc.com/20/10/2020/canon-ae-1-review-the-haters/
https://witandfolly.co/canon-ae-1-program-review/
2. Nikon F2: The Nikon F2 was introduced in 1971 and quickly became the camera of choice for professional photographers. This camera featured a rugged, all-metal construction and a high degree of customization. Famous users of the Nikon F2 include American photojournalist Mary Ellen Mark.
https://fstoppers.com/film/film-camera-end-all-film-cameras-long-term-review-nikon-f2-481837
https://casualphotophile.com/2018/11/05/nikon-f2-camera-review-nikons-pro-slr-evolves/
https://onfilmonly.com/a-comprehensive-review-of-the-iconic-nikon-f2-film-camera/
3. Minolta SRT-101: The Minolta SRT-101 was introduced in 1966 but remained popular throughout the 1970s. This camera featured a reliable mechanical shutter and a large, bright viewfinder. Famous users of the Minolta SRT-101 include American photographer William Eggleston.
https://www.35mmc.com/29/09/2020/minolta-srt-101-review/
https://mattsclassiccameras.com/slr/minolta-srt-101/
http://www.alexluyckx.com/blog/2018/01/30/ccr-review-80-minolta-sr-t-101/
4. Olympus OM-1: The Olympus OM-1 was introduced in 1972 and quickly became a popular choice for photographers who wanted a compact, lightweight camera. This camera featured a sleek design and excellent optics. Famous users of the Olympus OM-1 include American photographer and filmmaker Spike Jonze.
https://casualphotophile.com/2016/04/25/olympus-om-1-camera-review/
https://www.culturedkiwi.com/olympus-om-1-review/
https://www.analog.cafe/r/olympus-om-1-classic-film-camera-review-fjyv
5. Pentax Spotmatic: The Pentax Spotmatic was introduced in 1964 but remained popular throughout the 1970s. This camera featured a simple, intuitive design and excellent optics. Famous users of the Pentax Spotmatic include American photographer and filmmaker Robert Frank.
https://www.35mmc.com/14/09/2020/pentax-spotmatic-f-review/
https://photothinking.com/2021-01-01-pentax-spotmatic-sp-pentax-marks-the-spot/
6. Mamiya RB67: The Mamiya RB67 was introduced in 1970 and quickly became a popular choice for professional photographers who wanted a medium format camera. This camera featured a modular design and a large, bright viewfinder. Famous users of the Mamiya RB67 include American photographer and filmmaker Cindy Sherman.
https://alysvintagecameraalley.com/2021/05/06/mamiya-rb67-pro-sd-my-first-images/
https://fstoppers.com/reviews/long-term-review-mamiya-rb67-pro-sd-558025
https://emulsive.org/reviews/camera-reviews/mamiya-rb67-pro-s-by-rob-davie
7. Yashica Electro 35: The Yashica Electro 35 was introduced in 1966 but remained popular throughout the 1970s. This camera featured a simple, intuitive design and excellent optics. Famous users of the Yashica Electro 35 include American photographer and filmmaker William Klein.
https://www.35mmc.com/22/10/2019/yashica-electro-35-mini-review/
https://www.myfavouritelens.com/yashica-electro-35-gsn-camera-review/
https://kosmofoto.com/2020/02/yashica-electro-35-gsn-review/
8. Leica M4: The Leica M4 was introduced in 1967 and remained popular throughout the 1970s. This camera featured a sleek, minimalist design and superb optics. Famous users of the Leica M4 include American photographer and filmmaker Jim Jarmusch.
https://www.35mmc.com/16/07/2016/leica-m4-review/
https://mrleica.com/leica-m4-p-review/
https://emulsive.org/featured/enter-the-leica-m4-upgrading-my-barnack-leica
9. Konica Auto S3: The Konica Auto S3 was introduced in 1973 and quickly became a popular choice for photographers who wanted a compact, lightweight camera. This camera featured a sharp, fast lens and reliable automatic exposure control. Famous users of the Konica Auto S3 include American photographer and filmmaker Larry Clark.
https://www.35mmc.com/08/11/2021/konica-auto-s3-small-and-perfectly-formed-by-bob-janes/
https://www.lomography.com/cameras/3346351-konica-auto-s3/photos
https://kosmofoto.com/2018/10/konica-auto-s3-review/
10. Rolleiflex 2.8F: The Rolleiflex 2.8F was introduced in 1960 but remained popular throughout the 1970s. This camera featured a unique twin-lens design and superb optics. Famous users of the Rolleiflex 2.8F include American photographer and filmmaker Stanley Kubrick.
https://dustygrain.com/rolleiflex-28f-review/
http://www.alexluyckx.com/blog/2015/02/10/ccr-review-3-rolleiflex-2-8f/